Study of the Effect of Diet in Overweight or Obese Patients With Psoriasis on Light Therapy

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The association between psoriasis and obesity has been questioned by physicians for many years. Studies have shown that the risk of having psoriasis is increased in people with a high body mass index, which is a measurement of obesity. There have been case reports of remission of psoriasis after gastric bypass surgery. Furthermore, other studies have shown that certain inflammatory diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis) can be improved by dietary changes. The purpose of this study is to assess whether a low carbohydrate or low fat diet can be helpful in the treatment of psoriasis.

Condition or disease

Intervention/treatment

Phase

PsoriasisWeight LossDiet

Other: The South Beach DietOther: The Ornish DietOther: Control Group

Phase 4

Detailed Description:

This study involves the use of diet as a therapeutic agent in subjects with obesity and psoriasis who are eligible for and willing to undergo phototherapy. Subjects undergoing phototherapy alone will be compared to subjects randomized to receive phototherapy and dietary modification with the goal of weight loss. The primary objective is to determine the success rate of weight loss programs in the setting of psoriasis. Secondary objectives include evaluating the effect of weight loss on efficacy of narrow band ultraviolet B phototherapy, and assessing the efficacy of lower carbohydrate and low fat diets in psoriatic patients.

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Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years and older (Adult, Senior)

Sexes Eligible for Study:

All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Age greater than 18

PASI score greater than 10

BMI greater than 25

Subjects must be willing and eligible to undergo phototherapy and

Willing to stop all other psoriasis therapies

Exclusion Criteria:

History of failure to respond to NB-UVB in the past.

Presence of predominantly guttate, erythrodermic, or pustular psoriasis or any skin condition that would interfere with evaluation of effect of study. intervention .